Oval Fountain

After installing a naturalized water feature on a difficult sloping site, PondWorks was asked to once again provide design and construction services to the same client’s property northwest of Philadelphia, PA.  This time the client and landscape architect were interested in a more formal fountain that serves as both a destination and as a transitional experience.

Through the design process this project evolved into an oval fountain with a custom fabricated stainless steel ring that water sheet flows from and spills into a lower outer ring providing a subtle whooshing water sound but with only subtly noticeable movement.  This delicate water movement provides a near perfect water surface that reflects the light and surrounding environment throughout the day and night.

Instead of a more traditional path around the outside of the fountain, the walking path continues right through the longitudinal axis of the oval and the path’s stepping stones appear to float on the water’s surface.

Due to the site’s extensive plantings and circulation, the water feature’s pumping and filtration equipment was placed in a custom fabricated stainless steel underground vault.  In order to incorporate the vault’s lid into the landscape, the lid was clad in stepping stones in order to diminish its presence when closed.  Opening the vault’s lids was then designed to be remotely activated.  While pumps and filters are essential in order to maintain clean, clear, and healthy water quality, the equipment can be incorporated into virtually any environment, as the client and project dictates.

Simplicity of detailing and construction yielded an installation that is both a sculptural element unto itself, and a clean slate that allows more natural and organic plantings and natural materials to flourish, providing a contrast of formal and organic.

Project: Oval Fountain

Water Feature Contractor: PondWorks

Metal Fabricator: Buchholtz Associates 

Designer: PondWorks / Simone Collins Landscape Architecture